Winston Peters has begun his run to the election swinging in all directions.

The New Zealand First leader's opening speech at his party's annual convention in Christchurch was a call to action for 2020.

But, it was laden with attacks against the ailing MediaWorks, the National Party and his Coalition partners' policies.

NZ Herald political reporter Boris Jancic told Andrew Dickens today, the party will announce its new president.

"Usually the President of the New Zealand First Party isn't a very high profile figure, but this year it's interesting because of the resignation of Lester Gray, who resigned in August."

Jancic says that Gray had resigned fighting the fact that he had not been told enough about the party's donations and expenses to sign off the financial records. 

Peters is also expected to make a policy announcement this afternoon.